Graded Stacking Rings

Safety

Every ring and any top piece must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.).
If the stacker has a ball-shaped top, it must be at least 5 cm across; balls under 1.75 in. (4.4 cm) are banned for children under 3.
Remove a stacker with a loose dowel, cracks, or splinters.

Presentation

1
Carry the stacker to the table or mat with two hands, holding the base.
2
Take the rings off one at a time from the top and place them in a random row to the side.
3
Look along the rings, pick up the largest, and put it on the dowel, letting it slide down to the base.
4
Each time, choose the next largest and put it on. Point of interest: each ring sitting just above the one below.
5
Run a finger slowly down the side of the stack from top to bottom.
6
Take the rings off and offer the stacker to the child. Do not correct the order.
7
When the child is finished, carry the stacker back to the shelf together.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

Use five rings
Line the rings up on the mat from largest to smallest without the dowel

Control of error

A ring out of order sits wider than the ring below it, so the side of the stack has a step the child can see and feel. The adult does not point it out.

Ready to move on when the child…

Puts all rings on the dowel without help
Stacks three rings from largest to smallest
Notices a ring out of order and changes it
Stacks five rings in order